Mature City please Pep

The Citizens went ahead early on through a clever free-kick from Kevin de Bruyne that went underneath the jumping defensive wall and straight into the bottom corner.

Raheem Sterling doubled the Premier League leader's advantage with a header before half-time, leaving a record crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium silent.

It was a second away cup success in five days for Man City against Championship opposition, following their Carabao Cup semi-final, second leg win at Bristol City.

For Guardiola, avoiding the potential pitfalls amidst a hectic run of games was particularly pleasing.

We reacted like a mature team. I am so proud.

Pep Guardiola

The Spaniard, who has been beaten just once in 22 attempts by lower league opponents in cup competitions during his managerial career in Spain, Germany and England, would prefer a home tie in the fifth round.

"There are no words to describe my pride about my players and my team after so many games with no rest and because of injuries," said Guardiola.

"A few players have played a lot of minutes, but again they were ready. I feel something special about that. Playing in the FA Cup away against Championship teams in top of league, like Cardiff are at the moment, is so complicated, we reacted like a mature team. I am so proud.

"We are in the draw and I hope we can have a team at home."

Man City are 8/15 to win the League Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley on 25th February. The Gunners are 9/2, while the draw is 10/3.

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